Protective effect of apigenin magnesium complex on H2O2-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rat hepatic stellate cells

Context:Apigenin displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, effects of apigenin magnesium (AM) complex on these aspects remain unknown. Objective:This study investigated the effects of AM complex on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Materials and methods:The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of AM complex at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL were evaluated, comparing to HSCs treated by H(2)O(2)alone. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) levels were measured. Moreover, cell apoptosis, mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), NF-kappa B, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were assessed. Results:AM complex significantly inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL (IC50= 1.679 mg/mL). AM complex elevated the survival rate of H2O2-treated HSCs and had no toxic effects on HSCs. AM complex also promoted SOD activity and GSH levels but suppressed ROS, MDA, and NO levels. Additionally, AM complex decreased IL-6 and NF-kappa B levels, gene expression of TGF-beta, NF-kappa B, and iNOS, as well as induced apoptosis of HSCs. Discussion and conclusions:Data indicated that AM complex mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses on H2O2-treated HSCs, suggesting that AM complex is a possible candidate for anti-hepatic diseases. Additional efforts, bothin vivoand in humans, are required to assess of AM complex as a potential therapeutic drug in liver diseases.